I have used and have been displeased by so may pads out there. Part of my difficulty could be body type related. I have bigger than average biceps and quads. My limbs look somewhat like the outside of a funnel. Both elbow and knees have great below the joint straps. I think this why they work for me. The elbows were not uncomfortable but the band around bicep is a little snug. Shape of pads seem to match my attack position and out of saddle pedaling position well. Once moving I do not notice them. Also not too warm.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I cannot break this chain! I bought my first X9SL after destroying 2 shimano chains in the same month. This chain lasted 4 years through very aggressive trail riding. The reason I retired it is that the nitride coating was wearing off. No stretch!

I love the gold coating as well. This is one of those cases were bling and performance are wrapped up in one package.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Long lasting and really fast . Exceptional on hard pack and loose over hard conditions short of moon dust. Best summer XC tire I have ridden. It is definitely not an all conditions AM tire. For this go to the mountain kings or trail kings.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I have bashed my knuckles a couple of times wearing the Remedy. No bruises or abrasions. The are pretty comfortable too. I was surprised since stitched palms have never been as comfortable as the alternative. I have several months on them with no issues with wear or stitching.

Update -

I tore the palm on a pair and my second pair is almost worn out. After more riding with the Remedy X I can say that they are not my most favorite glove. I like the fox uni bomber much better as it has more features and is way more comfortable. Brand new I liked the Remedy. However after trying the fox glove I realized that my expectations were a bit low. The uni bomber scores way higher!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Sticky rubber clings to flats especially when cleaned after each ride. Stiff soles protect feat against pedal strikes and big hits. Extra padding is also nice. Buy them! I have gone through 2 pr sam hills, 2 pr free riders and 1 pr impact low. Impacts are my fave for DH for sure. If you want a more supple shoe for DJ or AM go with free rider. BTW- I have had no quality issues with any of my 510s. If i did i know they stand behind their product. Too bad other reviewer did not return delamed shoe. Keep in mind that these are made with climbing shoe rubber. Never store in hot car. They will delaminate for sure!

bought this after ruining 2 helmets in a 2 year span. figured if this one will survive some small hits its worth the money. I also like the concision reducing design concepts like mips and floating outer shell. will update after I have had it for a year and put it through the ringer.

Update - I had a pretty serious crash at the end of the season. I bent the MIPS pin. No concussion and no other damage to the helmet. Replaced the pin easily and am comfortable with keeping the helmet in service.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I purchased this tire after disintegrating 3 minions on rear tire over the summer race series. Minions perform great but are putting a hurt on my wallet. I was hoping for a tire that has the performance of a minion with longer life. I rode the tire on a very rocky course -same that ripped knobs off the minions. The tire survived quite nice. The performance was better than expected. I am still seeing a bit of pealing on the backs of the center knobs but they are holding tight. I also put in some very aggressive days on hard pack flow trails of The Canyons in Utah and am pleased on this terrain as well. I may have found a new tire! Note - before writing off minions, I am hell on equipment. I am a bigger guy and have a very aggressive riding style. My son who is lighter and a bit more gentile has minions that have lasted an entire season.

End of season the trailing edge of the center knobs are delaminating. Still some life left. Still better life than my minions. Performance has been great. Front tire is unscathed.

This is my 3rd season riding this tire. I am on my 3rd rear tire and second front. Tire life is pretty good for how much I ride. The tire is fast and hooks up in the turns great. Handles variable riding conditions better than most tires I have used. Only complaint is that they are a bit expensive.

I am not sure what the other reviewers mean by stiff soles. 5.10 shoes tend to be a little soft in general. I own mountain approach shoes and have tried on the heavier downhill shoes. When compared to other manufacturers they are a tad soft in my opion. The BA5IC shoe is quite a bit lighter than the freeride/downhill models. Maybe this is what the other reviewers meant. I could see how the extra cushion of a heavier sole would be an advantage on big stunts.

The sole on the BA5IC is definitely stiffer than the vans bmx shoes I was wearing. I am giving these 4 starts for a bmx or lightweight downhill shoe. I do not take 20 foot drops nor do I do big free ride stunts. I do take smaller drops, like kickers, love to suck up bumps and rail the turns. The shoe works well for me and is a step up from my old vans. I cannot comment on their efficacy on big air big stunt biking.

I bought the flux after a tree jumped up and without warning hit me in the side of the head -bastard! I realized when the stars retreated back to heavens that my $80 lightweight so called MTB helmet offered little protection against this type of tree aggression.

Though a little heavy, the flux gives me the protection of a winged panty liner. Next time I will make the trees hurt a little more than me.